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Mike Tolbert expected to lead Bills' backfield behind LeSean McCoy

Taking a position-by-position look at the Buffalo Bills' 53-man roster after Saturday's cut-down and six additional transactions Sunday:

Quarterback (3): Tyrod Taylor, Nathan Peterman, T.J. Yates

The Bills are in the minority of NFL teams in keeping three quarterbacks on their roster, although that decision could be tied to the health of Taylor and Yates, who were both in the concussion protocol as of last Thursday.

Running back (4): LeSean McCoy, Mike Tolbert, Joe Banyard, Taiwan Jones

There was some curiosity Saturday when the Bills kept both Banyard and Jones on their roster, giving them five running backs at the time. That question was answered Sunday when, after the Bills claimed three players off waivers, second-year running back Jonathan Williams was surprisingly waived. It is possible Banyard or Jones, who project mostly as special-teams contributors, get some carries this season behind McCoy. The most snaps should go to Tolbert, who had been in a training camp competition with Williams for the No. 2 job. Williams had a strong preseason, averaging 5.8 yards on 21 carries. But that apparently was not enough to earn him the No. 2 role, and without expected contributions on special teams, he was pushed off the roster. He becomes the ninth draft selection of former general manager Doug Whaley (2014-16) who has been jettisoned by the Bills' new regime this year. Only six of Whaley's draft picks remain on the roster.

Fullback (1): Patrick DiMarco

Tolbert split his time in Carolina and, before that, in San Diego between fullback and running back. But when he was released by Carolina in February and met with Bills coach Sean McDermott, the message was that the Bills wanted him to play mostly running back in Buffalo. McDermott, formerly the Panthers' defensive coordinator, and Tolbert seem to have a good relationship, having worked out together as part of Carolina's early-morning "breakfast club" in their weight room. Something else to keep in mind: Both DiMarco and Tolbert are represented by the same agent. When they both signed with the Bills in March, it was understood there would be roles for both players.

Wide receiver (5): Jordan Matthews, Zay Jones, Andre Holmes, Brandon Tate, Kaelin Clay

The Bills traded with Carolina for Clay on Saturday, opting to add him to the roster instead of keeping undrafted rookie Brandon Reilly. Buffalo initially kept Corey Brown on its roster Saturday before releasing him Sunday. The Bills have a clear top three at this position. The question is whether Tate or Clay becomes the Bills' primary returner. Clay was a return specialist as a rookie for Baltimore in 2016 before missing last season with an injury. He caught six passes for 127 yards this preseason for the Panthers.

Tight end (4): Charles Clay, Nick O'Leary, Logan Thomas, Khari Lee

Lee was claimed off waivers Sunday from the Detroit Lions, adding a blocking presence to their tight-end room. Four is more tight ends than most teams carry on their roster, but the Bills are expected to be a run-first offense and do not have depth at receiver.

Offensive tackle (4): Cordy Glenn, Jordan Mills, Dion Dawkins, Conor McDermott

Buffalo claimed McDermott, a sixth-round rookie, off waivers from the Patriots. It is unclear what his immediate role will be with the team. As long as Glenn, who dealt with a summer-long foot issue, is able to play, McDermott will likely be inactive on the 46-man roster. He could complicate Seantrel Henderson's path back to the 53-man roster after his five-game suspension to begin the season.

Interior offensive line (5): Richie Incognito, Eric Wood, John Miller, Vladimir Ducasse, Ryan Groy

It is still unclear whether Miller or Ducasse will start the regular-season opener after spending the preseason in a competition for the right guard spot. The loser of that battle is likely to be inactive on the 46-man game-day roster.

Defensive end (4): Jerry Hughes, Shaq Lawson, Eddie Yarbrough, Ryan Davis

The Bills have better-than-expected depth at this position after a strong training camp and preseason for Yarbrough, who signed as a relative unknown in April.

Defensive tackle (5): Marcell Dareus, Kyle Williams, Adolphus Washington, Jerel Worthy, Deandre Coleman

The Bills kept Coleman as depth after Worthy left the preseason finale with a concussion. It is unclear when he will return.

Linebacker (6): Lorenzo Alexander, Preston Brown, Ramon Humber, Tanner Vallejo, Matt Milano, Deon Lacey

Vallejo, a rookie, is considered week-to-week after having his knee scoped late last month. The Bills released veteran Gerald Hodges on Sunday after claiming Lacey off waivers from the Miami Dolphins. Lacey spent the past three seasons with the CFL's Edmonton Eskimos.

Cornerback (5): Tre'Davious White, Shareece Wright, Leonard Johnson, E.J. Gaines, Greg Mabin

Wright has the edge to start opposite White, although Gaines could continue to compete for that job. Mabin, an undrafted rookie, ultimately beat out 2016 sixth-round pick Kevon Seymour, who was traded Saturday to Carolina in the Clay deal.

Safety (4): Micah Hyde, Jordan Poyer, Trae Elston, Colt Anderson

The Bills are thin here after Anderson, a top special-teams player, missed the entire preseason with a foot injury.

Specialists (3): Stephen Hauschka, Colton Schmidt, Reid Ferguson

Hauschka and Ferguson are both newcomers this season after Dan Carpenter and Garrison Sanburn handled kicking and long-snapping duties last season, respectively.

Suspended (2): Henderson (five games), WR Walter Powell (four games)

Injured reserve (3): WR Jeremy Butler, TE Keith Towbridge, OL Michael Ola